Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund: Year Two

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  Last year Laura Mercier  started the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer fund (LMOCF) 

The cause is very near and dear to the hearts of Laura Mercier, and the company’s President and CEO, Claudia Poccia. Both women have been personally touched by the disease – Laura through a dear friend, and Claudia through her sister. 

This year, they are dedicated 100% of the profits of three gorgeous product to raise awareness and fund research and educational efforts to help diagnose, treat and support women with ovarian cancer.

As a breast cancer survivor with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer, I applaud Laura Mercier and Claudia Poccia for creating the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund. It is an under served disease.

The Good Stuff:

BONNE MINE HEALTHY GLOW FOR FACE & CHEEKS CRÉME COLOUR PALETTE

The Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Healthy Glow for Face & Cheeks Crème Colour Palette is an easy way to achieve a sun-kissed glow.  $48 (This is a permanent piece in the Laura Mercier collection)

LIP GLACÉ IN KISS OF HOPE

A  shimmering peachy pink high-shine, perfectly pigmented lip gloss with rich, long-lasting colour and brilliant shine that creates the appearance of fuller lips. $24, limited edition piece.

MATTE RADIANCE HEALTHY GLOW BAKED POWDER & MINI FACE BRUSH

Created to give skin an on-the-go, healthy, sun-kissed glow, this duet features an exclusive shimmering pink shade of Matte Radiance Baked Powder, plus a Mini Face Brush for flawless application.  $36 limited edition piece.

The Bad Stuff:

1. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecological cancers in the United States.*
2. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among American women.*
3. Know your family history. Up to 15% of all ovarian cancer is hereditary and there are things you can do to reduce risk for yourself and your family.*
4. The American Cancer Society estimates that 22,280 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2012; 15,500 women will die of the disease.
5. Most women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer already have advanced disease.*

Source: Dr. Carol Aghajanian/Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

The reason ovarian cancer is referred to as the, "silent killer" is simple and sad. The symptoms are vague and mimic things that women don't associate with gynecological problems, like back pain, bloating and frequent urination to name a few. 

Women often lose precious time seeking treatment from Chiropractors, Gastroenterologists and Urologists.  By the time they see their Gynecologist, (who will then recommend them to an Gynecological Oncologist), their cancers are often in advanced stages.

Please read the information below to familiarize yourself with symptoms and factors that may elevate your personal risk, it could be life saving:

There is no screening method for early detection for ovarian cancer.  The symptoms of the disease are vague, and are not always gynecologic.  But research shows that  women with ovarian cancer often report having the following symptoms:  A swollen or bloated abdomen, increased girth.  Some women notice that their pants or skirts are getting tight around the waist. The bloating is a sign that fluid, called ascites, is building up in the abdominal cavity in later stage disease Persistent pressure or pain in the abdomen or pelvis  Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly Urinary concerns, such as urgency or frequency Change in bowel habits with new onset constipation and/or diarrheaUnexplained vaginal bleeding Wishing you beauty and good health... xox, DD